Project Involve

Society is enriched when the stories told on film reflect the distinct vision of independent artists from every facet of our multi-cultural community.

Help diverse filmmakers tell their stories.Support Project Involve and make a donation today.

Project Involve is a free, intensive, nine-month annual program that offers 30 up-and-coming film professionals from under-represented communities the opportunity to hone skills, form creative partnerships, utilize free or low-cost production resources and ultimately gain the industry access necessary to succeed as working artists.

Running from January through September, the Lab is comprised of:

Mentoring: Each Fellow is paired with a notable professional in the same field, e.g. screenwriters with screenwriters. Mentors share knowledge, contacts and experience, giving young filmmakers invaluable guidance.

Masters Workshops: Ten Masters Workshops with top professionals offer insights and information on the art and business of filmmaking.

Short Film Production: Fellows are given the resources and opportunity to gain hands-on practical experience. Fellows team up to produce at least six 10-minute shorts during the program, which are screened at the LA Film Festival.

Educational and Networking Events: Opportunities to learn from and connect with working artists and key professionals include the LA Film Festival and the Film Independent Forum, an annual event that brings together roughly 80 filmmakers and executives for a series of enlightening panel discussions.

Amazon Studios Film Fellowship

The Amazon Studios Film Fellowship provides a $10,000 grant to a visionary filmmaker in Project Involve.

Focus Features Lili Elbe Fellowship

The Focus Features Lili Elbe Fellowship provides a $10,000 grant to a transgender filmmaker in Project Involve.

The FOX | HBCU Media Alliance Fox Film Fellowship

The Fox Film Fellowship awards a $10,000 grant to a FOX | HBCU Media Alliance (FHMA) member in Project Involve.

LAIKA Animation Fellowship

The LAIKA Animation Fellowship provides a $10,000 grant to an animator in Project Involve.

LMU SFTV Project Involve Fellowship

Alumni of Loyola Marymount University who apply to Project Involve can ask to be considered for the LMU Project Involve Fellowship. The fellowship includes a $10,000 cash grant, as well as inclusion in Project Involve. To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must be alumni of Loyola Marymount University.

Participant Media Fellowship

The Participant Media Fellowship endows an exceptional filmmaker in Project Involve with a $10,000 grant.

Sony Diversity Fellowship

The Sony Diversity Fellowship provides a $10,000 grant to an outstanding filmmaker in Project Involve.

Editors: A) One work sample (completed feature film, short film, pilot, web series or music video) via online link (preferred) or DVD

Cinematographers: A) One work sample (completed feature film, short film, pilot, web series or music video) via online link (preferred) or DVD

Industry Executives: Your Statement of Interest must address what makes you the perfect candidate for this job track and what excites you about this area of filmmaking, plus a summary of your relevant professional experience (education/internships/applicable work in the industry)

Application Fee

Selection Criteria

Project Involve seeks filmmakers with original voices and unique visions that can help fulfill our mission to increase diversity within the film industry. Additionally, strong consideration is given to those whose work samples and statements of interest demonstrate talent, passion, focus, responsibility and a strong commitment to collaboration.

The Fine Print

Beyond the application fee, there is no cost or tuition to participate in any of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs.

Film Independent membership is not required when applying to Artist Development Labs; however, all participants accepted into the labs are required to join Film Independent at the standard annual membership rate of $95.

Project Involve accepts applications from filmmakers all over the world. However, those applicants who are invited to participate in the program must reside in Los Angeles for its nine-month duration and are expected to attend all sessions in person. Film Independent is unable to subsidize any travel, lodging and/or visa expenses for any participants attending from outside of Los Angeles.